Planning and research

Still planning my route and researching equipment.

I don't know how many times I can review and tweek my route, but I've currently made alterations after my stop at Braemar by including Carn an t'Sagairt Mor, Carn a Choire Bhoideach and Lochnagar enroute to Glas-allt-Shiel bothy and then continue onto Clova the following day, as originally planned.

Mind you, I think at the moment it's just all what appeals. In the end, it will depend on my fitness and stamina, although my stamina is usually quite good. Perhaps my plans will even change as I go, if my feet get sore!

As to equipment, I want a Shewee, (said in hushed tones for the sake of propriety, yours, not mine!) and I'm going to have one with an extension pipe, so there!

'Nuff said about that.

I want a down jacket that I can stuff into small spaces that will keep me warm of an evening, post walk and before bed, so I've got my eyes on something by North Face, Mountain Equipment or Rab. They all have warm stuffability, it'll be the best bargain I can find in the end! I would have preferred something that wasn't black, but if I do need to wear it and be visible, I might have a hi-viz vest stashed away, (perhaps a bit too sad, even by my standards...) or if I have to remain in one position I can use the bright orange survival bag! Should do the trick.

I want new walking trousers and a trekking jacket of some variety and I've settled on my baselayer, I think, I've seen a recommendation for some from Millets, of all places. I good price clinched that one too.

What is it I say to my children? Oh yes. "I want never gets." We'll see about that!

A contribution

David's taking a little more interest now, getting a little more involved. I think he thought I was barking being so organised so far in advance, (especially when we might not even get on it next year!), but he's bought something for me.

A compass.

It's lovely and shiny and I'm sure it'll be very useful.

That's if I'm better using it 'in the field' than I am sitting in the lounge.

There's time.

Arrivals

Unfortunately, one of the main restrictions we have on the equipment we purchase is cost, so I am trying to buy the best we can afford.

The sleeping bags that fitted most of the criteria were Vango Venom 300, which should cope with the climate, with a comfort rating of 0c to +25c, are quite light at 880gr and compress to 22 x 14cm. I found them online at a very reasonable price and tried mine out, as soon as it arrived it was unpacked, fluffed and contained me!

I was snug, but then, I was lying on the bedroom floor, fully clothed, on a warm evening on my Thermarest Prolite 3 Womens Regular self-inflating mat. Sad. I am very excitable!

I got David the same sleeping bag and his own mat, because he didn't already have one. His is perhaps a little better than mine, a Thermarest Prolite 4 Regular, but I've used mine backpacking before and I know I'm quite comfortable on it, so I'm not jealous.

Better not start any more research now, I mustn't spend everynight doing this when I have nearly 20 months to plan it!